Hashkafa Foundation of Tiferes Bais Yaakov:
Frau Sarah Schenirer was quoted as saying that she created the Bais Yaakov Movement to “take frum girls from frum homes and make them excited about their Yiddishkeit.” Every person needs to create a personal relationship with the Shechina and feel proud to be part of this great mission to the world that we call Klal Yisroel. That goes above and beyond technical observance and an amassing of facts. Rather it is a function of creating an atmosphere where girls are prodded to think, ask and reflect on who they are and where they are going.
Here at Tiferes Bais Yaakov we encourage the girls’ individualism. The students are guided to discover the unique contributions they can make, and to respect all the various people that comprise Klal Yisroel, while getting a deep and clear understanding of the Halachic and Hashkafic foundations of Yiddishkeit that provide the context for our growth.
Not only are questions encouraged, but the girls thinking is encouraged and validated. On a simple level, there is a “question box” in each grade. All students can feel comfortable in posing questions anonymously – and knowing that their questions will be answered. On a deeper level, TBY has developed a unique, step-by-step Hashkafa curriculum for all four grades that addresses our Ikrei Emunah. Topics such as Divine Revelation, the validity of the Torah SheBichsav, the Oral Law, the validity of the Mesorah, Emunas Chachamim, why it appears that the righteous suffer, and Free Will are all studied, from primary sources, in an organized fashion – and in an atmosphere that allows teens to gain the clarity they will need to meet the challenges of today’s society.
The variety of the staff ensures that each girl can find a role model and confidant to help her personalize her education. The Careers course introduces the girls to frum mothers and wives who are juggling their roles as the Akeres Habayis and the demands of the workplace, so that the students can make informed choices about their future. And the camaraderie and simcha that permeates the halls ensures that the joy of being a proud Bas Yisroel is felt by all.
The fact that we want our children to follow in our footsteps is the reason we give them the space and encouragement to develop their own personal connection and relationship with Hashem and His Torah. This concept is the guiding light that colours the unique atmosphere of Tiferes Bais Yaakov.
Academic Philosophy:
In our Limudei Kodesh program, Tiferes utilizes the unique Kvutza system, which streams our students by ability (both textual and analytical) into different levels, enabling each student to be challenged and strive for academic excellence on her own level.
Our General Studies program provides Academic and Applied streams, which all follow the Ministry of Ontario Curriculum Guidelines, enabling each student to enroll in courses suited to her abilities and goals and to succeed at her own level. To this end we have developed Tiferes Education Plans (TEP) that are subject based to accommodate the individual students abilities.
Our students graduate with an Ontario High School Diploma. Over 95% of Tiferes graduates first attend a variety of Seminaries in Israel. Most then go on to pursue post-secondary studies at various Universities and Colleges with the academic skills needed to succeed, and the understanding and joy of Yiddishkeit needed to maintain their level of kedusha.